Drilling fluids play an important role in the drilling process for bore
wells, mineral extraction and oil and gas extraction. During drilling,
drilling fluids are pumped down the drill stem and forced out through
jets in the bit. The drilling fluid returns to the surface through the
space between the borehole wall and the drill stem.

It carries the drill cuttings drilled out by the drill bit. These
fluids, also known as drilling mud are used to carry rock cuttings to
the surface, and lubricate and cool the drill bits also maintain
stability of the well. In addition, drilling fluids also function as
biocides and weighing agents, emulsifiers, defoamers, filtration
reducers, shale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, with specific
additives.

Growing demand for drilling activities supplemented by the shift towards
exploring and developing deep sea reserves and increasing implementation
of horizontal drilling is expected to bolster the growth of drilling
fluids market in North America.

Increasing focus towards developing unconventional resources such as
shale oil/gas, coal bed methane and other resources is also likely to
drive the market growth in coming years. Increasing environmental
concerns regarding the use of drilling fluids coupled with the raising
concerns over the disposal of waste drilling fluids and contamination
are some of the factors that are likely to restrain market growth.